Firm Profile > Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov > Sofia, Bulgaria
Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov Offices
10 TSAR OSVOBODITEL BLVD.
1000 SOFIA
Bulgaria
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Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov > The Legal 500 Rankings
Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1
Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov’s ‘knowledgeable and proactive’ banking and finance practice advises on the full spectrum of matters in the space, including syndicated financing, project and acquisition financing, issuances and, a relative rarity for the Bulgarian market, initial public offerings, which are a particular focus of practice co-head Georgi Tzvetkov. Nikolai Gouginski is experienced in real estate financing for foreign and domestic lenders, and Vessela Stancheva-Mincheva has assisted clients including Western Union and MasterCard with compliance and regulation within the country. The firm counts CitiBank, Deutsche Bank and the EBRD among its clients.
Practice head(s):
Vessela Stancheva-Mincheva; Nikolai Gouginski; Georgi Tzvetkov
Testimonials
‘One of the leading practices in Bulgaria.’
Key clients
ACIBADEM CITY CLINIC EAD (former TOKUSHUKAI SOFIA EOOD)
Alpha Bank A.E.
ALVOGEN EMERGING MARKETS HOLDINGS LIMITED
Amylum Bulgaria EAD
AP Investments AD
ARAB BANK (SWITZERLAND) LTD
Barclays Capital
Blantyre Capital Limited
BNP Paribas Factor
Bohemian Financing Zrt (BoFi )
Bridge Capital
British Arab Commercial Bank (BACB)
BTC (Black Toro Capital Group)
BULGARIAN REAL ESTATE FUND Inc.
Burgan Bank A.Ş.
Caterpillar Financial Services GmbH
China Eximbank
The Export Import Bank of China (CEXIM)
Citadel Securities Europe Limited (CSEL)
Citibank
DEG Invest
Deutsche Bank AG
DSK Bank PLC
DVB Bank SE
ELEVEN FUND COOPERATIEF U.A.
EMP Invest Bulgaria AD (Empower Capital Fund)
Equinix
ETEM BULGARIA EAD
Euroclear SA/NV Brussels
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Forex Capital Markets Limited
GetBack Recovery S.R.L.
Goldman Sachs
Gradus – 1 OOD
GTC
Intersel Bulgaria EOOD
INVESTFORCE EAD
JP Morgan Europe Limited
Karsch Venture Capital
Landmark Holding AD
LAUNCHub Fund Cooperatief U.A.
MasterCard Europe SA
Mechel Carbon AG
Mechel International Holdings GmbH
Nuntius Brokerage and Investment Services S.A. – Bulgaria Branch
OTP Bank Ltd.
P&S Group
PPF a.s.
Raiffeisen Bank International AG
REGIONAL URBAN DEVELOPMENT FUND AD (RUDF)
The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB)
The World Bank
TRG Management LP
UniCredit Bank Austria AG
V2 Investment S.à r.l.
Visa Europe Limited
Western Union Financial Services International
Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
The corporate, commercial and M&A practice at Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov is the largest in the Bulgarian market. Led by Violetta Kunze and Zdravka Ugrinova (‘one of the best, most reliable lawyers in the region’), the team advised on 34 M&A transactions in 2019, including cross-border deals in highly regulated sectors. Alongside White & Case LLP, the firm performed due diligence and drafted transaction documents for P.P.F.’s acquisition of Telenor’s assets in the CEE region, and were lead counsel for Auto Kelly’s acquisition of a stake in a local distributor of auto parts. The firm’s corporate practice is also experienced in share buybacks, restructurings and regulations concerning public procurement. Valentin Bojilov is another name to note.
Practice head(s):
Zdravka Ugrinova; Violetta Kunze
Testimonials
‘The team is deep, knowledgeable, very thorough, well organized and very client focused.’
‘DGKV’s team is confident, professional and dedicated. It’s a pleasure to work with them.’
‘Solid work in safe hands. We had a follow-up matter on a previous transaction. It was a no-brainer to contact DGKV.’
Key clients
P.P.F. a.s.
CITI Bank
Hitachi Solutions Co. Ltd.
Hilti Italia S.p.A.
Nokia Corporation
ERG Insaat Ticaret ve Sanayi AS
Sony Europe Limited
Hanon Systems
Eleven Fund Cooperatief U.A.
Gradus AD
DOHLE Trading Group Holding LLC & Co. LP
Thunder Software Technology Co., Ltd.
Auto Kelly a.s.
Hamilton Data Services
SSM Partners
QuickBase, Inc.
Mitsuba Teklas Turkey Otomotiv A.S.
J.S. Hamilton Poland S.A.
Lemi Trafo EAD
Yazaki Europe Limited
CEE Equity Partners
Kharis Capital Advisory
Dispute resolution Tier 1
Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov has one of the largest dispute resolution teams in the Bulgarian market, composed of a core of specialist litigators. The firm handles mandates in many types of commercial litigation, including local and international arbitration proceedings, and those arising from insolvency, intellectual property, tax, and industry-specific disputes. In 2019, the firm acted for clients in the financial services, retail, aviation and energy sectors, including acting for Gazprom in a €110m cross-border dispute against the Bulgarian Overgas group of companies. Angel Ganev, practice head, also regularly acts as an arbitrator in the ICC Court of Arbitration and is highly rated by clients.
Practice head(s):
Angel Ganev
Testimonials
‘DGKV has established an excellent standard in this field; they are responsive and provide superb legal advice.’
‘The quality of the lawyers in the team is reliably good.’
‘Strong team. Easy to work with and responsive.’
Key clients
Gazprom Export
BMW AG
Facebook Inc.
Huawei Technologies Bulgaria
Turkish Airlines
Financial Supervision Commission
Swiss Latam AG
TD Bank Group
Walltopia Ltd.
Trade Center Sliven
ABB Bulgaria EOOD
ACIBADEM CITY CLINIC EAD
AES-3C MARITZA EAST I EOOD
Andres Schneider Rechtsanwaelte
Aresgas AD (former Rila Gaz EAD)
ARGE CDM/Fichtner/C&E
A.T. Kearney
Audatex-Magyarorszag Ltd.
Avia International
Bawag Bank
BCUBE spa
Brееze Properties
C3/CustomerContactChannels, Inc
Cargill Bulgaria EOOD
CarVal Investors
CEZ Elektro Bulgaria AD
CEZ Razpredelenie Bulgaria AD
Claes-goran Fridh
ContourGlobal Maritsa East AD
Deca Trade
Deroni OOD
DHOLLANDIA Bulgaria EOOD
Domain Menada Distribution ЕООD
ECCIP Holding B.V.
Eurobank Cyprus Ltd (former Eurobank EFG Cyprus Ltd.)
Eurotronics EOOD
Fabrika za mlechni produkti AD
FAMILY HOME CONCEPT SRL
Flying Carpet Ltd.
Froneri Bulgaria EOOD
Galeya OOD
GHELARDI & ASSOCIATI
Global Resource Ltd
Glorient Investment Bulgaria
Golden Leaf Tobacco Company Inc.
Haos Invest EAD
HETA Luftfahrzeuge Leasing GmbH
Honeywell EOOD
Investint SA
Ital Food Industry
ITS
Karanovic & Nikolic
Kenneth Dante Murena
MAN Diesel & Turbo
Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits Distribution Bulgaria EOOD
Mechel Carbon AG
Mechel International Holdings GmbH
Medilab OOD
Menada Vineyards EOOD
Metro Cash and Carry Bulgaria
Mundipharma GmbH
Nantong Yimian Textile Co. Ltd
NEPI Investment Management SRL
Oman Investment Fund
Philipex Trading Ltd
PUNTO FA, S.L. (MANGO)
Q Vent
Queensland Nickel Pty Ltd
Red Bull GmbH
Rheinland Elektro Maschinen Group d.o.o.
Risoil BV
Sakar Vineyards EOOD
Saipem S.p.A.
Sandvik Mining and Construction Materials Handling GmbH & Co KG
SAP
SC DEUTEK SA
SEEDS OIL GRAIN Ltd
Shanghai Chaori International Trading Co. Ltd
State General Reserve Fund of Oman
Sirio G and V OOD
Solarpro
Sumitomo Electric Bordnetze GmbH
Telenor
TeleTech
Tengelmann Warenhandelsgesellschaft KG
Toto Costruzioni Generali S.p.a.
TRANE CR spol.sr.o
UNIECO
V2 Investment S.à r.l.
V i K Steneto EOOD
VIP Security Solutions EOOD
Viridian Offices OOD
Visteon Electronics Bulgaria EOOD
Vodosnabdyavane i kanalizatsiya Dobrich AD
Wilmington Trust
Energy and natural resources Tier 1
Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov’s key strengths lie in the corporate and commercial aspects of energy work, advising on contractual disputes, SPAs, M&A and regulatory matters. The firm has acted for a number of clients in disputes with the nationalised energy companies and regulatory bodies, including ContourGlobal Maritza East III, a coal-fired power plant operator, and Mechel International Holdings GmbH, a global mining company. Milan Pandev, an expert in the regional oil and gas markets leads the team, alongside senior partner Georgi Gouginski. The team provides ongoing consultancy to major market players, including Lukoil and Axpo Trading. Counsel Anton Krustev and senior associate Nikola Minchev are other names to note.
Practice head(s):
Milan Pandev; Georgi Gouginski
Testimonials
‘DGKV provides highly professional services from experienced lawyers. They have the expertise and the motivation to achieve the highest quality of work.’
Key clients
Aresgas AD (former Rila Gaz EAD)
Axpo Trading AG
CEZ Elektro Bulgaria AD
CEZ Razpredelenie Bulgaria AD
Chevron Munaigas Inc.
Citibank
ContourGlobal Maritsa East 3 AD
EDF-Electricite de France S.A.
Emerson
European Commission
Ezpada s.r.o.
Gazprom Marketing & Trading Limited
Gazprom Export
GE Renewable Energy – Hydro
LUKOIL Europe Holding B.V.
Mechel International Holdings GmbH
Mercuria Energy Europe Trading Ltd
MET International AG
NEPI Investment Management SRL
OMV Trading GmbH
PAPIR SERVIS FHB DOO
RenAlfa AD
SBB ENERGY S.A.
Shanghai Chaori International Trading Co. Ltd
Shanghai Sensheng Assets Management Centre
Stromunion AG
Vodosnabdyavane i kanalizatsiya Dobrich AD
Water & Sewerage Company Steneto EOOD 2
Vitol S.A.
Water & Sewerage Company Dobrich AD
EU and competition Tier 1
The EU and competition practice at Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov acts for clients in antitrust cases, investigations into horizontal and vertical agreements, abuse of dominance proceedings, collusive and cartel activities, and state aid compliance for non-EU importers. Major clients consult the firm on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance in highly regulated sectors, including Visa, Froneri, Merck, and British American Tobacco. Drawing on the experience of its corporate and commercial team, the practice also advises on merger clearance before the Bulgarian CPC and the ECC. Violetta Kunze, who also heads the firm’s TMT practice and jointly heads the corporate and commercial practice, leads the team alongside Nikolai Gouginski, who ‘delivers perfect advice on complex issues'. Vladislav Antonov and Dessislava Iordanova and senior associate Anton Petrov are other names to note.
Practice head(s):
Nikolai Gouginski; Violetta Kunze
Testimonials
‘DGKV is distinguished by its experience, professionalism, and forward-looking vision.’
‘One of the best firms in Bulgaria, if not the best! They have in-depth knowledge of national and EU competition rules, they are always on top of new developments, they’re very responsive, and they answer complex questions quickly.’
‘They are my go-to firm for antitrust in Bulgaria. Responsive, nice to work with, pragmatic.’
Key clients
Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO Limited
AbbVie EOOD
ArcelorMittal Limited
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited
Astellas
ASTELLAS PHARMA EOOD
Aurubis Bulgaria AD
Auto Kelly a.s.
Beiersdorf AG
Bella Bulgaria AD
Bespokebrands Ltd.
Bio Fresh OOD
BMW Group
British American Tobacco Trading EOOD ( BAT)
Bunge Romania S.R.L
Bunge ZRt
C.H. Robinson
APPLiA BULGARIA ASSOCIATION (former CECED Bulgaria)
DaimlerChrysler (former Daimler-Benz)
Dentstore SRL
Deroni OOD
Face Consult EOOD
Froneri Bulgaria EOOD
Gazprom Export
Honeywell EOOD
Immofinanz AG
Ital Food Industry
ITS
JBT Corporation
Karsan Otomotiv Sanayii ve Tic. A.S.
Kronospan Bulgaria EOOD
LUKOIL Europe Holding B.V.
MAN SE
Mayoral Balgaria EOOD
Merck Bulgaria EAD
METRO Cash & Carry Bulgaria EOOD
Mid Europa Partners Limited
National Hockey League
NEPI Investment Management SRL
Nikon
OMV Bulgaria OOD
OnProcess Technology Inc
Panasonic Marketing Europe GmbH
Pharmastore Invest OOD
PPF a.s.
Ravago S.A
Reed Elsevier Group PLC
S.C. Star Foods E.M. S.R.L.
Snap Inc.
The Body Shop International Plc
The Clorox Company
TI Sparkle Bulgaria EOOD
TRG Management LP
VISA Europe
WorldQuant
Healthcare and life sciences Tier 1
Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov advises major pharmaceutical companies, including Aspen, Merck & Co., and Astellas Pharma Europe, on their activity in Bulgaria. Practice head Kalina Tchakarova has expertise in reimbursement procedures through the National Health Insurance Fund, distribution agreements, advertising restrictions and IP and patent issues. Anton Petrov focuses on the regulation of clinical trials and the development of medical devices. The firm also acts in contentious matters, having represented pharmaceutical companies before the Commission for the Protection of Competition and defended patents and intellectual property.
Practice head(s):
Kalina Tchakarova
Key clients
Abbott Laboratories Europe
Abbott Laboratories S.A. (TRO)
AbbVie EOOD
AbbVie Inc.
ACIBADEM CITY CLINIC EAD (former TOKUSHUKAI SOFIA EOOD)
Actavis EAD
Akros Pharma Inc.
Alcon Bulgaria EOOD
ALVOGEN EMERGING MARKETS HOLDINGS LIMITED
Amway
Amylum Bulgaria
Artevos GmbH
Aspen Pharma Ireland Limited (former Aspen Europe GmbH)
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited
ASTELLAS PHARMA EOOD
Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd.
Baxalta Incorporated
Baxter International Inc.
Beiersdorf AG
Bella Bulgaria AD
Berlin-Chemie AG
BIO FRESH OOD
Bunge Romania S.R.L
Bunge ZRt
Cardinal Health
Cargill Bulgaria EOOD
Centogene AG
Ceridian HCM, Inc.
ClinTec International Ltd.
Coca-Cola Enterprises
Covance
Covance Clinical and Periapproval Services Limited
Deroni OOD
Domain Menada Distribution ЕООD ( former BELVEDERE DISTRIBUTION EOOD)
Dow Deutschland Inc.
EU Pharmacia Bulgaria
Fabrika za mlechni produkti AD
Farmak JSC
Fater (JV owned by Procter & Gamble and Angelini Group)
Froneri Bulgaria EOOD
General Electric Healthcare
Gradus – 1 OOD
GrowGreen Europe
Insmed
Ital Food Industry
Ionis Pharmaceuticals
J.S. Hamilton Poland S.A.
Kaliakra AD
Laboratoires Théa
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp)
Les Laboratoires Servier
Malteries Soufflet Bulgaria
Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits SA ( former Belvedere S.A.)
Medical Centre Synexus Sofia
Medilab
Menada Vineyards
Merck Bulgaria
Merit Medical, Regeneron
METRO Cash & Carry Bulgaria
Monsanto International – Bulgaria Branch
MSD Animal Health
Mundipharma GmbH
Mylan
Nuseed Europe Ltd.
Pet Centar D.O.O.
Pharmascience
Pharmastore Invest OOD
Premier Research Germany Limited Representative office
Provitech Solutions ЕООD (former Provident Funding)
Red Bull GmbH
Regeneron
Risoil BV
Risoil Overseas Ltd.
S.C. Star Foods E.M. S.R.L.
Sakar Vineyards EOOD
Samsung Bioepis
Schreiber Foods Bulgaria
SEEDS OIL GRAIN Ltd
Shire Central & Eastern Europe GmbH
Shire plc
Soufflet Groupe
The Body Shop International Plc
VisLab S.r.l.
Z-Labs EOOD
ZOLL Circulation
Intellectual property Tier 1
Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov’s intellectual property team advises on trade mark protection and enforcement - it acts for clients in disputes over trade mark infringements and before the Bulgaria Patent Office. The team is also engaged in enforcement proceedings against counterfeit goods, and is active in the protection of intellectual property rights in software licensing arrangements and IT acquisitions. The team is led by Kalina Tchakarova, supported by senior associates Dessislava Iordanova and Kamen Gogov, a certified trade mark and design attorney. Associate Patricia Cherkezova has a doctorate in EU intellectual property law and advises principally on cross-border transfers of copyrights and IP rights.
Practice head(s):
Kalina Tchakarova
Testimonials
‘Business-oriented and agile. Excellent professionals and advisors.’
Key clients
Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe
British American Tobacco Trading EOOD
Karelia Tobacco Company Inc.
Peak Apparel Holdings, Inc.
Carlsberg Breweries A/S
Cactus S.A.
Karo Pharma Aktiebolag
Consortium Deutscher Baumschulen GmbH
Hyland Software
Delfortgroup AG
AbbVie EOOD
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited
Avia International
Berlin-Chemie AG
Carlsberg Bulgaria
Celgene Europe Ltd
Club CIO Bulgaria
Colian sp. z. o.o.
CrossFit, Inc.
Dais Software
DeTeMedien Deutsche Telekom Medien GmbH
Economedia AD
EMP Invest Bulgaria AD (Empower Capital Fund)
Facebook, Inc.
Fater (JV owned by Procter & Gamble and Angelini Group)
Froneri Bulgaria EOOD
Grapa Company Ltd
Halcor Metal Works S.A.
House of Monatic
Instagram, LLC
Instrade EOOD
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Ital Food Industry
Kaliakra AD
Kwiat Enterprises, LLC
LABERION sh.p.k.
LivOn Laboratories, Inc.
My TV.BG EOOD
Orange Brand Services Limited
OTTO (GmbH & Co KG)
Papoutsanis S.A.
PPF a.s.
Prekiu zenklu valdymas, UAB
Q Vent
Red Bull GmbH
Rigo Trading S.A.
Sasol (USA) Corporation
Sazerac Brands, LLC
Skechers U.S.A. Inc. II
SOLEN Cikolata Gida Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi
The Travelers Indemnity Company
Transport for London
Truma Geraetetechnik GmbH & Co. KG
Universal 1440 Entertainment LLC
Universal Pictures International Limited
US Pharmacia International, Inc.
Wenger S.A.
WIZZ Air Hungary Kft.
Egmont Bulgaria
Projects and PPP Tier 1
The projects and PPP team at Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov has advised on some of the largest public infrastructure projects in the country, including railway construction, manufacture of rolling stock, and airport construction and operation. The firm also has experience in PPPs outside of the infrastructure sector - it advised the state-owned fund manager on participation in open tender procedures at the European level, and advised the military contractor Patria Land Oy in a bid to supply armoured vehicles. The team, jointly led by Milan Pandev, Stephan Kyutchukov, and Nikolai Gouginski, has also acted on high-value mandates for private clients in the real estate and energy sectors. Anton Krustev and Kaloyan Krumov are experienced in public procurement, and real estate issues, respectively.
Practice head(s):
Milan Pandev; Stephan Kyutchukov; Nikolai Gouginski
Key clients
Abalta Technologies EOOD
Abbaty AD
AbbVie EOOD
Accentive Management Ltd.
Agrotechservice EOOD
Alstom Transport
Andor Technology Ltd.
AP Investments AD
BDC EOOD
Belfry PE Ltd
BULGARIAN REAL ESTATE FUND Inc.
Cleantech Bulgaria
Chrono OOD
Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A. (CAF SA)
ERG Insaat Ticaret ve Sanayi AS
Eurolease Auto EAD
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Fund Manager of Financial instruments in Bulgaria EAD
Gazprom Marketing & Trading Limited
GE Renewable Energy – Hydro
General Electric Healthcare
Intersel Bulgaria EOOD
International Currency Exchange EOOD
ITS
JBT Corporation
Nexter Systems
REGIONAL URBAN DEVELOPMENT FUND AD (RUDF)
Siemens AG
Real estate and construction Tier 1
Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov’s real estate and construction practice assists major property developers with financing, acquisition of real estate, transactional security arrangements, and long-term lease arrangements. On the construction side, the firm assists international clients with redrafting FIDIC-based contracts to comply with the Bulgarian legal framework, and acts for clients in disputes with contractors and municipal authorities in zoning and restitution issues. The ‘outstanding’ Stephan Kyutchukov leads the team, while Kaloyan Krumov (who specialises in financing) and Nikolina Stefanova (who focuses on construction) are also key lawyers.
Practice head(s):
Stephan Kyutchukov
Testimonials
‘They have knowledge and experience no other firm has. They are able to identify important risks and to propose practical working solutions.’
‘The team is very proactive and has a unique approach: through extensive research they can offer outside-the-box solutions.’
‘They are professional and experienced. We rely on their legal support and advice.’
Key clients
Abalta Technologies EOOD
AbbVie EOOD
Accentive Management Ltd.
ACIBADEM CITY CLINIC EAD
AGRIMATCO BULGARIA EOOD
Agrotechservice EOOD
AP Investments AD
Auto Kelly a.s.
BDC EOOD
Biomachinostroene AD
Bridge Capital
BSR Sofia AD Edmond De Rothschild Private Equity Management Ltd.)
BULGARIAN REAL ESTATE FUND Inc.
Bunge Romania S.R.L
C.H. Robinson
C3/CustomerContactChannels, Inc
CallPoint New Europe AD (Telus International Europe)
Cargotec Oyj
Corio N.V.
DOHLE Trading Group Holding LLC & Co. LP
EMP Invest Bulgaria AD (Empower Capital Fund)
ERG Insaat Ticaret ve Sanayi AS
Global Resource Ltd
GTC
Hilton Hotels
K&K -LTD LTD
Karsch Venture Capital
Kharis Capital Advisory Belgium
Landmark Holding AD
Lempriere Australia PTY Ltd
Lion`s Head Investments AD
Luben Limited
ERG Insaat Ticaret ve Sanayi AS
Froneri Bulgaria EOOD
Michael Kalderon
Mid Europa Partners Limited
NEPI Investment Management SRL
Oman Investment Fund (OIF)
OMV Bulgaria OOD
OTP Bank Ltd.
P.D. Investments
Pillarstone Europe LLP
PPF a.s.
RAMOT LTD
S & K Development Ltd.
Soufflet Groupe
Spectrum Brands Inc
Stromunion AG
Tengelmann Warenhandelsgesellschaft KG
The Body Shop International Plc
Viridian Offices OOD
VMware, Inc.
TMT Tier 1
Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov’s TMT practice spans the full range of expertise – the regulatory aspects of large-scale mergers, licensing and permissions, data privacy and security. It also advises on copyright, content distribution arrangements, and electronic communications. The practice counts global telecoms and media companies among its clients, advising on additional areas such as IP protection, competition and employment law. Violetta Kunze, who also heads the firm’s corporate and commercial practice, leads the team, while Omourtag Petkov has expertise in the growing business of IT outsourcing. Senior associate Milka Ivanova is another name to note.
Practice head(s):
Violetta Kunze
Testimonials
‘We work together with Violetta Kunze and Milka Ivanova. Both Violetta and Milka are excellent experts in telecommunications law matters who provide impeccable advice. Violetta’s contacts with the local regulator ensure that it is possible for our client’s to receive commercial and reliable advice even where novel services are concerned.’
Key clients
P.P.F. a.s.
SAP
Nokia Corporation
Facebook Inc.
Instagram, LLC
Snap Inc.
Spotify AB
Colt Technology Services Group Limited
Viessmann Werke GmbH & Co KG
Inditex
News Corp UK & Ireland Limited
CBS Corporation
Ingenious Media
Tata Communications
HipStream EOOD
My TV.BG EOOD
OMV Bulgaria OOD
AT&T EMEA
The Wikimedia Foundation, Inc
Booking.com
VisLab S.r.l.
Accenture (UK) Limited
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Telus International
Panasonic Marketing Europe GmbH
VMware, Inc.
Abalta Technologies EOOD
Transport (including shipping) Tier 2
Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov’s wide-ranging practice handles major infrastructural projects, advising participants in high-value public tender procedures for railway, airport, and road construction projects. On the transport services side, the firm’s client base includes vehicle manufacturers, airline operators, and shipping firms. It is also highly experienced in competition compliance, environmental regulation, litigation, contract amendment, distribution agreements, and financing. Zdravka Ugrinova and Milan Pandev jointly lead the team; they also head the firm’s corporate practice, and the energy practice, respectively.
Practice head(s):
Zdravka Ugrinova; Milan Pandev
Testimonials
‘The advice was simply right, in a rather complicated matter.’
Key clients
ERG Insaat Ticaret ve Sanayi AS
Ryanair DAC
Turkish Airlines
Daimler Chrysler AG
Wizz Air Hungary Kft
ASL AIRLINES BELGIUM S.A.
MAN SE, MAN Truck & Bus AG and MAN Truck & Bus Deutschland GmbH
Skoda Auto
Toto Costruzioni Generali S.p.a.
Cargotec Oyj
Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A. (CAF SA)
The Export Import Bank of China (CEXIM)
Zim Israel Navigation Company Ltd.
Sojitz Corporation of America
JMAC Air, LLC
Karsan Otomotiv Sanayii ve Tic. A.S.
Patria Land Oy
FORD OTOMOTİV SANAYI A
LKQ Corporation
CK Holdings Co., Ltd.
C.H. Robinson
Alstom Transport SA
ITS Bulgaria
Rail Cargo Austria AG
Ekol Lojistik A.S.
XOP Logistics OOD
Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov > Firm Profile
The firm: DGKV is one of the largest, oldest, most prominent independent law firms in Bulgaria, known for its solid record of pioneering projects on the Bulgarian market. Founded in 1994, its asset is the unique combination of profound legal knowledge, experience in international transactions and ability to handle large-scale transactions. With 15 partners and over 55 lawyers, DGKV has resources to assemble the right team to address the most complicated matters. Its ever-growing portfolio of over 4,000 multinational clients is a fair attestation of its high-quality legal services.
Areas of practice: M&A: DGKV has a reputation for advising the largest M&A in Bulgaria and significant global transactions in relation to their Bulgarian law aspects. The firm has advised: the biggest M&A deal for 2018 in Bulgaria – the EUR 810m acquisition of the Bulgarian assets of Telenor; the biggest deal in 2017 – the EUR 252.9m acquisition of Paradise Center shopping center in Sofia; CK Holdings Co. Ltd. in relation to the USD 7.1bn sale of Fiat Chrysler’s Magneti Marelli to Japan’s Calsonic Kansei; KKR on the Bulgarian aspects of the acquisition of the margarine and spreads business of Unilever. Other key clients: Equinix, Fairfax Financial Holdings, GTC, Mitsui & Co. Ltd., Call Point New Europe, Dell, etc.
Banking and finance: DGKV focuses on secured transactions, corporate finance, public finance and regulation of financial and investment services. DGKV consulted IFC, AIG, CAIB, MKB and State General Reserve Fund of Oman for the acquisition of shares in major Bulgarian banks; OTP and DSK Bank, the World Bank, EBRD, JBIC, BSTDB, Deutsche Bank, EIB, Procredit Bank, GTC Group on financing of various infrastructure, construction and financial projects in Bulgaria, etc.
Energy and utilities: DGKV provides full-scope legal assistance to clients interested in investing or otherwise engaged in the energy sector in Bulgaria. The firm has advised ABB, AES, the Bulgarian Government, Citibank and US Exim Bank, ContourGlobal, EBRD, GE Power & Water, Marubeni, RWE Power; EZ, Chevron and Lukoil regularly on local operations; Gazprom Marketing & Trading, J.P. Morgan Energy Europe, Merrill Lynch, OMV Trading and Vitol on energy trading matters; China Development Bank, SINOSURE, Credit Suisse, Gamesa, Mitsui&Co, Raiffeisen, Statkraft, Toshiba, Verbund in numerous renewable energy projects; and Gazprom and MOL on gas pipeline projects.
Competition: with a strong competition practice, DGKV has made a significant contribution to the Bulgarian Commission for Protection of Competition. It’s advised Aurubis, Bunge, MasterCard Europe on competition regulatory issues; Aurubis, Metro Cash and Carry, Nokia, KBC, Devnya Cement, Visa Europe, Coca Cola in relation to antitrust investigations by the regulator and other antitrust matters.
Real estate: DGKV has a strong reputation in the real estate market, advising the acquisitions of: the most expensive real estate in Bulgaria – the EUR 252.9m Paradise Center; NIS Petrol and OMV; numerous operating mall acquisitions; land acquisition and construction and/or acquisition of residential, office, retail and mixed-use developments; large-scale commercial real estate financings. Other recent projects include: Equinix on site acquisition for the establishment of its second data centre in Bulgaria and VMware on the largest office lease deal in Bulgaria in the last 10 years.
TMT: DGKV offers a ‘one-stop shop’ for technology companies with operations in Bulgaria. It represents Google on a regular basis in relation to legal issues associated with online services and customers support in Bulgaria; Deutsche Telekom; Facebook LLC; Instagram LLC; Univeral 1440 Entertainment LLC; Telecom Italia; Tata Communications; Swisscom; PCCW Global; VOXBONE; Progress Software, etc.
Litigation and arbitration: with an outstanding dispute resolution track record DGKV’s litigation team is one of the best in Bulgaria. DGKV represents clients in the commercial, construction, financial or administrative fields. Currently it represents Bulgarian Acquisition Company II, CEZ Electro Bulgaria, Financial Supervision Commission, Glorient Investment BG, SE Bordnetze, etc. For the last year the DGKV could boast with an impressive successful track record in major court cases with very high success rate, including commercial and administrative litigation, and international arbitration with total value of more than EUR 737m.
Intellectual property: Google Inc., Facebook Inc., Instagram LLC, Warner Bros., Teva Pharmaceuticals Europe BV (confidential), Carlsberg Bulgaria, Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetique S.A., Deutsche Telekom AG, Tchibo GmbH, Cargill Inc., Marie Brizard Wine and Spirits Distribution Bulgaria EOOD, Guess Inc are among our IP clients.
Labour and social security: DGKV’s employment team excels as one of the few stand-alone employment law practices on the Bulgarian market. Its employment lawyers are heavily involved in providing legal field specific knowledge to clients with a view to optimizing every aspect of their operations in Bulgaria and strives to ensure their specific employment needs are met in an ever-changing business world. Major clients are Yazaki Corporation, Turkish Airlines, Ryanair, Volkswagen, Coca Cola, AES Maritza East I, Takeaway.com, ABB Bulgaria, Grohe Adria, etc.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| M&A | Zdravka Ugrinova | ||
| M&A | Violetta Kunze | ||
| General corporate | Assen Djingov | ||
| General corporate | Zdravka Ugrinova | ||
| Banking and finance | Nikolai Gouginski | ||
| Banking and finance | Georgi Tzvetkov | ||
| Energy and utilities | Georgi Gouginski | ||
| Energy and utilities | Milan Pandev | ||
| Competition | Nikolai Gouginski | ||
| Real estate and construction | Stephan Kyutchukov | ||
| Project finance and capital markets | Nikolai Gouginski | ||
| Project finance and capital markets | Georgi Tzvetkov | ||
| TMT | Violetta Kunze | ||
| TMT | Kalina Tchakarova | ||
| Intellectual property | Kalina Tchakarova | ||
| Litigation and arbitration | Angel Ganev | ||
| Tax | Viara Todorova | ||
| Labour and social security | Kalina Tchakarova | ||
| Labour and social security | Youliana Naoumova |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
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Ms Lora Aleksandrova | Associate |
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Ms Eliza Alexandrova | Associate |
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Ms Rusalena Anglelova | Senior Associate |
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Mr Peter Angov | Associate |
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Mr Vladislav Antonov | Senior Associate |
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Ms Silviya Apostolova | Senior Associate |
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Mr Valery Blagoev | Associate |
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Ms Lena Borislavova | Associate |
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Mr Kamen Gogov | Senior Associate |
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Mr Nikolai Gouginski | Partner, working in the competition law, EU and regulatory, project finance, secured lending, foreign direct investment, private international law, international trade, mergers and acquisitions practice areas. |
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Mr Hristiyan Ivanov | Associate |
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Ms Milka Ivanova | Senior Associate |
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Ms Dessislava Ivanova | Associate |
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Ms Lilia Kisseva | Senior Associate |
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Mr Kaloyan Krumov | Senior Associate |
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Mr Nikola Minchev | Senior Associate |
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Ms Gergana Monovska | Senior Associate |
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Mr Omourtag Petkov | Partner, working in the general corporate law, commercial law, M&A, infrastructure, concessions, public procurement, private equity deals and contract law practice areas. |
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Dr Anton Petrov | Senior Associate |
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Mr Ivan Punev | Senior Associate |
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Ms Elena Shopova | Associate |
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Mr Hristo Stoyanov | Associate |
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Ms Kalina Tchakarova | Partner, working in the IP, labour and social security, corporate, pharmaceutical law, and M&A practice areas. |
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